Course Overview

About This Course

The CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services at Risen Star College of Technology & Business is designed for people seeking specialised knowledge and practical skills to work effectively across a range of community services settings. The qualification reflects the role of community service workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities, and is offered with a specialisation in Case Management.

You develop skills to work with individuals experiencing a variety of social and personal challenges while supporting their independence and wellbeing, alongside an understanding of ethical practice, cultural awareness — including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety — and working within relevant legal and organisational frameworks. Practical capability is central: you learn to coordinate services, assess co-existing needs, respond to crisis situations and work collaboratively with other professionals and community stakeholders. Workplace-based learning is mandatory, with a minimum of 240 hours required in a real community services setting.

The course suits people entering the community services sector as well as those already working in it who want to build on their experience and progress into roles with increased responsibility. International students study face-to-face at the Stones Corner campus in Brisbane, while domestic students complete the same qualification through blended online delivery.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

34 Old Cleveland Rd, STONES CORNER, QLD 4120

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Tuition fee $2,500 (plus $1,000 resource fee and $250 enrolment fee)

Duration

52 weeks maximum

Study Mode

Online blended delivery through the Learning Management System, plus workplace-based learning

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

Be at least 18 years old at the time of commencing the course.
Have successfully completed Year 12.
Pass the Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Skills (LLND) assessment at Level 4.
Have successfully completed CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, or CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services.
Have been working in a community or residential care setting for at least 6 months, and be able to complete workplace assessment with the current employer.
Have successfully completed the Pre-Training Review.

International students

Be at least 18 years old at the time of commencing the course.
Have successfully completed CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, or CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services.
Have successfully completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent schooling overseas.
Provide evidence of an English language test of IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.0, or an equivalent test approved by the Department of Home Affairs, or fall into an exemption category.
Pass the Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Skills (LLND) assessment at Level 4.

Pre-placement requirements (all students)

Before commencing workplace-based learning, students may be required to obtain the following, as applicable to the host workplace:

Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
NDIS Worker Screening Clearance
National Police Check
Evidence of required vaccinations (for example influenza and COVID-19, as required by the workplace)
Training in infection control and manual handling

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The following are examples of roles this qualification may support you to pursue, depending on your experience, visa conditions and employment opportunities:

Community Services Worker — provide support to individuals and groups experiencing social or personal challenges, connecting clients with services and assisting with access to community resources.
Case Worker / Case Manager — support clients by assessing needs, developing support plans and coordinating services in collaboration with other professionals.
Disability Support Worker — support clients by assessing needs, developing support plans and coordinating services to support positive outcomes.
Family Support Worker — assist families facing challenges with guidance, referrals and support services, promoting wellbeing and safe, stable family environments.
Youth Worker — work with young people to support personal development, social inclusion and wellbeing through mentoring and facilitating programs.
Residential Care Worker — support individuals in residential or supported accommodation settings, assisting with daily routines and promoting independence.
Team Leader / Supervisor (Community Services) — with relevant experience, progress into roles involving team coordination, supervision and oversight of service delivery.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units20 units

CHCCCS004

Assess co-existing needs

Core unit

CHCCCS007

Develop and implement service programs

Core unit

CHCCCS019

Recognise and respond to crisis situations

Core unit

CHCCSM017

Facilitate and review case management

Core unit

CHCDEV005

Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services

Core unit

CHCDFV001

Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

Core unit

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

Core unit

CHCDIV002

Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Core unit

CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

Core unit

CHCMGT005

Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes

Core unit

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Core unit

HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

Core unit

CHCCSM010

Implement case management practice

Elective unit (Case Management)

CHCCSM009

Facilitate goal-directed planning

Elective unit (Case Management)

CHCCSM014

Provide case management supervision

Elective unit (Case Management)

CHCCSM016

Undertake advanced assessments

Elective unit (Case Management)

BSBPEF401

Manage personal health and wellbeing

Elective unit

CHCDIS017

Facilitate community participation and social inclusion

Elective unit

CHCMGT003

Lead the work team

Elective unit

CHCDIV003

Manage and promote diversity

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course suitable for international students?

Yes. This course is designed for international students seeking to develop practical skills and knowledge in community services. It is delivered through structured, face-to-face classes with trainer support throughout your studies.

How is this course delivered?

For international students the course is delivered through face-to-face classroom sessions, supported by learning activities and assessments. Students attend scheduled classes and participate in trainer-led discussions, group activities, and practical learning. Domestic students study the same qualification through blended online delivery.

Will I complete practical training as part of the course?

Yes. Workplace-based learning is a mandatory component of this qualification. Students are required to complete practical learning and assessment in a real workplace environment relevant to community services, with a minimum of 240 hours of workplace-based learning.

Do you arrange work placements for international students?

Risen Star College provides guidance and support to assist students in identifying suitable workplace opportunities. However, placement is not guaranteed and students may be required to actively participate in securing a placement.

Do I need a prior qualification to enrol?

Yes. Entry to this course requires successful completion of CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support or CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services, in addition to the other entry requirements.

What career pathways can this course support?

Completion of this qualification may support pathways into roles such as Community Services Worker, Case Worker, or Support Worker, depending on individual circumstances, visa conditions, and employment opportunities.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Community Support WorkerCase Manager / Case WorkerYouth WorkerDisability Support Worker / NDIS Support CoordinatorFamily Services Worker

Key Skills

Person-centred and strengths-based case managementClient needs assessment and support planningAdvocacy and community outreachCrisis intervention and risk assessmentEthical and professional decision-making

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Community Services

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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